Province urging Manitobans to get flu shots

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This article was published 13/10/2017 (2973 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Flu season is approaching and the Health Department is encouraging Manitobans to get vaccinated. It’s free. 

On Friday, the department launched its annual influenza immunization campaign.

“The flu vaccine provides protection against this serious illness,” said Health Minister Kelvin Goertzen. “Getting the vaccine will not only protect you, but your friends and family. I encourage Manitoba families to take the time to get immunized this fall.”

Influenza can spread easily from one person to another through the air from coughing and sneezing or by handling objects contaminated with the virus and then touching your mouth, eyes or nose. In addition to getting immunized with a flu vaccine every fall, Manitobans can minimize the risk of getting or spreading seasonal flu by covering coughs and sneezes and washing their hands regularly.

“Last year, 150 Manitobans diagnosed with influenza were hospitalized and the virus contributed to the death of 12 Manitobans,” said Dr. Elise Weiss, acting chief provincial public health officer.

“This highlights just how important it is for all Manitobans six months of age and older to get immunized, preventing infection and protecting themselves and others,” she said.

Goertzen said while the vaccine benefits Manitobans by keeping them healthy, it also reduces strain on the health-care system.

“People who get influenza may get seriously ill and have to see a doctor or even end up in hospital,” he said in a press release. “When people stay healthy, it reduces pressure on the health-care system by keeping people out of emergency rooms and clinics.”

In the past, Manitoba has had one of the lowest flu vaccination rates in the country. Between September 2015 and March 2016, 32 per cent of Manitobans reported receiving the flu shot. However, about two-thirds of those 65 and older were immunized.

The province said that while the annual flu shot is available to all Manitobans, it is extremely important for people at increased risk of serious illness, along with their caregivers and close contacts, including: 

• Seniors 65 years of age and older.

• Residents of personal-care homes or long-term care facilities.

• Children six to 59 months of age.

• Individuals with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, anemia, obesity, cardiac or pulmonary disorders.

• Pregnant women.

• Health-care workers and first responders.

• Regular caregivers of children up to five years of age.

• Indigenous people.

Manitobans over the age of 65 should also get a pneumococcal (Pneu-P-23) vaccine at the same time as the flu vaccine. The vaccine helps protect against pneumococcal disease, including a serious type of pneumonia, blood infections and meningitis.

Regional health authorities will soon begin immunization clinics. Check the Manitoba influenza website or contact Health Links–Info Santé at 204-788-8200 in Winnipeg or 1-888-315-9257 (toll-free) outside of Winnipeg for dates, times and locations.

For more information about the flu, visit www.gov.mb.ca/health/flu/index.html.